Air routes conference for Belfast

More than 1,200 delegates representing international airlines are to descend on Belfast in 2017 for a conference set to further secure the province’s position as a global tourism destination.

Apart from the economic impact of the event itself, the Routes Europe conference announced by Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster is a prestigious occasion that brings together decision makers from airlines, airports and tourism authorities to negotiate and build relationships that will shape the world’s future air route networks.

“Hosting Routes Europe in Belfast in 2017 provides us with a rare opportunity to bring influential decision makers into the region and showcase Northern Ireland’s tourism and business potential,” she said.

“This conference has the potential to accelerate route development for Belfast and Northern Ireland, with previous hosts of Routes Europe confirming up to six new routes after hosting the event. This will benefit business, tourism and the aerospace sectors.”